Black smoke engulfs central London as 70 firefighters tackle blaze that broke out in underground tunnel – causing traffic chaos as roads close

An area of ​​central London is blanketed in black smoke after a fire broke out in an underground tunnel, with 70 firefighters sent to battle the flames.

As crews struggled to bring the scene under control, roads surrounding Holborn were closed and travel chaos was reported.

London Fire Brigade has urged people to avoid the area amid warnings of ‘significant disruption’ in the heart of the capital.

About 10 fire engines and around 70 firefighters were called to the scene on Theobalds Road after a fire was reported in an underground utilities tunnel.

LFB station commander Paul Morgan said at the scene: ‘Crews are currently dealing with a fire affecting electrical cables in an underground tunnel.

‘This is likely to be a protracted event.

‘The incident is causing significant disruption to central London, with multiple roads closed and cordons in place.

‘Bus routes have been changed and people are advised to avoid the area as much as possible.’

Roads surrounding Holborn have been closed and London Fire Brigade have urged people to avoid the area

The brigade’s 999 Control officer responded to 18 calls to the fire and dispatched crews from fire stations in Soho, Euston, Shoreditch, Islington, Lambeth and the surrounding area.

LFB said the cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

The latest major blaze in London comes a day after a major blaze was declared at a warehouse ‘containing fireworks’ in west London, with 150 firefighters responding.

London Fire Brigade was called to the incident at Middlesex Business Park on Bridge Road in Southall at 8.55am on Tuesday, and crews from Southall, Heston, Ealing and surrounding stations were sent to the scene in 25 fire engines.

Inferno broke out in a two-story building consisting of warehouse and retail space. It is located opposite the Hortus Cemetery.

Previously, approximately three-quarters of the structure was on fire, but it is now understood that the entire building has been ‘completely burned inside and out’.

LFB said fireworks and cylinders were suspected to be stored inside.

A nearby school and apartment block were evacuated as a safety precaution.

There were warnings about disruption to travel following the fire on Wednesday morning.

Around 70 firefighters were called to the scene on Theobalds Road in central London.

London Fire Brigade’s 999 Control officer responded to 18 calls to the fire and dispatched crews from fire stations in Soho, Euston, Shoreditch, Islington, Lambeth and surrounding areas.

LFB station commander Paul Morgan, at the scene, said the incident was ‘likely to be a long-term incident’

Onlookers took photos of the scene as black smoke rose over central London

Plumes covered surrounding streets near London Underground station Holborn

London Fire Brigade was called to Middlesex Business Park on Bridge Road in Southall at 8.55am on Tuesday and crews were dispatched from Southall, Heston, Ealing and surrounding stations.

A huge fire broke out in the two-storey building consisting of a warehouse and a shopping center.

A huge cloud of smoke rises into the air as the fire shakes the warehouse

Videos posted on social media showed multiple explosions causing loud noises inside the building as terrified residents filmed from their homes.

It was stated that the cause of the fire was unknown.

The LFB has confirmed that no injuries have been reported so far.

Due to heavy smoke, residents in the area were told to keep their doors and windows closed.

Traffic in the region was also affected as roads were closed and buses were diverted.

This is breaking news; More to come…